Water supply apparatus for washing machine

ABSTRACT

A water supply device for a washing machine includes a panel connection part connected to a water supply line and having a first wash water flow path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to the panel connection part and having a second wash water flow path therein that communicates with the first wash water flow path, wherein the second wash water flow path has a width that expands toward one side away from the panel connection part, and includes an opening at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays wash water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a water supply device for a washing machine, and more particularly, to a water supply device for a washing machine that is capable of uniformly supplying wash water to laundry items in a washing tub.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a washing machine includes a case, a washing tub, a pulsator, a water supply device, a driving unit, and a drain device. The washing tub is installed in the case and contains laundry items to be washed therein. The pulsator is installed at the bottom center of the washing tub, so as to agitate the laundry items. The water supply device serves to supply wash water into the washing tub. The driving unit rotates a rotating ring to perform the washing process. The drain device serves to discharge wash water from the washing tub to the outside of the case, after the washing process is completed.

When a user opens the case to put laundry items into the washing tub and then turns on the power, wash water is supplied into the washing tub by the water supply device. Then, while the washing tub is rotated by operation of the driving unit, a washing process is performed.

After the washing process is completed, the wash water stored in the washing tub is discharged to the outside of the case by the drain device.

The related art of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-0010616, published on Feb. 15, 2001, and titled “Water supply device with shower-water supplying function and balancing function in washing machine.”

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

In general, the water supply device for a washing machine receives wash water through a water supply assembly at a rear side of a cover, and passes the received wash water through a detergent box below the water supply assembly, and supplies water into the washing tub through an opening in the detergent box.

While the wash water supplied through the water supply assembly passes through the detergent box, the pressure of the wash water is reduced. Thus, the wash water supplied to the washing tub flows substantially from the opening of the detergent box. Therefore, the supply of the wash water may be concentrated on one side, where the detergent box is positioned. This may degrade the washing and rinsing performance of the washing machine.

The present invention is conceived to solve such problems of the related art, and an aspect of the invention provides a water supply device for a washing machine that is capable of uniformly supplying wash water to laundry items within a washing tub, thereby improving the washing and rinsing performance.

Technical Solution

According to a first aspect of the invention, a water supply device for a washing machine includes a panel connection part connected to a water supply line, having a first wash water flow path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to the panel connection part, having a second wash water flow path therein that communicates with the first wash water flow path, wherein the second wash water flow path has a width that expands toward one side away from the panel connection part, and includes an opening at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays the wash water.

The second wash water flow path of the horizontal spraying part may have a fan shape and a width that expands toward the one side, away from the panel connection part.

The horizontal sprayer may include a lower flow path part that forms the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path part may have a surface that slopes downward toward the opening.

The water supply line may include a first water supply line discharging wash water from an outside source through an opening at the bottom of the detergent box via the inside of the detergent box; and a second water supply line separate from the first water supply line that transfers wash water from the outside source to the panel connection part.

The water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line may be selected according to a control signal from a controller.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a water supply device for a washing machine includes a sidewall part connected to an outer side surface of a detergent box housing and forming a first wash water flow path through which wash water flows between the sidewall part and the detergent box housing in a top panel; and a lower partition wall part connected to the sidewall part, extending to one side and separate from a bottom surface of the detergent box housing, forms a second wash water flow path that communicates with the first wash water flow path, and has an opening at an end thereof that sprays wash water.

The second wash water flow path of the lower partition wall part may have a fan shape and a width that expands toward one side.

The lower partition wall part may include a lower flow path part forming the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path part has a surface that slopes downward toward the opening.

The top panel may include a first water supply line that discharges wash water from an outside source through an opening of the detergent box housing and the detergent box; and a second water supply line discharges wash water from the outside source through the opening via the first wash water flow path and the second wash water flow path.

The water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line may be selected according to a control signal from a controller.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a water supply device for a washing machine includes a detergent box housing in a top panel and having a detergent box therein; and a side partition wall connected to an inner side surface of the detergent box housing and forming a wash water flow path, through which wash water flows vertically between the side partition wall and the detergent box housing.

The side partition wall may extend vertically along the inner side surface of the detergent box housing.

The bottom side of the detergent box housing may have a surface that slopes downward toward an opening through which wash water is discharged.

The top panel may include a first water supply line that discharges wash water from an outside source through the opening in the detergent box housing via the inside of the detergent box; and a second water supply line that discharges wash water from the outside source through the opening of the detergent box housing via the wash water flow path.

The water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line may be selected according to a control signal from a controller.

Advantageous Effects

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since wash water passing through the panel connection part is discharged toward the washing tub, the spray range of the wash water expands through the horizontal sprayer, and the wash water may be uniformly supplied to laundry items in the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to improve the washing and rinsing performance of the washing machine.

Furthermore, as the water supply line is separate from the water supply line passing through the detergent box in the top panel, wash water may be sprayed without a loss in water pressure while water passes through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range of the wash water may be expanded.

Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having separate paths are selectively controlled by the controller, wash water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing conditions.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since wash water flows between a rear surface of the detergent box housing and the sidewall part, and is sprayed to the front side through the space between the bottom surface of the detergent box housing and the lower partition wall part, the spray range of the wash water may be expanded. Thus, the wash water may be uniformly supplied to laundry items in the washing tub.

Furthermore, the water supply line having a separate path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box in the top panel may spray wash water without a loss in water pressure while passing through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range of the wash water may be expanded.

Furthermore, since the water supply line having a separate path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box may be formed by adding the sidewall part and the lower partition wall part to the rear surface and bottom surface of the detergent box housing, the manufacturing cost may be reduced, and the washing and rinsing performance may be improved.

Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having separate paths are selectively controlled by a controller, wash water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing conditions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since wash water passing between the side partition wall and the inner side surface of the detergent box housing is sprayed to the front through the bottom of the detergent box housing, the spray range of the wash water may be expanded to uniformly supply wash water to laundry items in the washing tub.

Furthermore, the water supply line having a separate path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box in the top panel may spray wash water without a loss in water pressure while passing through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range of the wash water may be expanded.

Furthermore, since the water supply line having a separate path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box may be formed by adding the sidewall partition wall to the inner side surface of the detergent box housing, the manufacturing cost may be reduced, and the washing and rinsing performance may be improved.

Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having separate paths are selectively controlled by a controller, wash water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing conditions.

BEST MODE

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a water supply device installed in a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating the spray range of wash water supplied by the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a top panel, illustrating the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine to which a water supply device for the washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the washing machine to which the water supply device for the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied, taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of wash water in the top panel of the washing machine to which the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine to which a water supply device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the washing machine to which the wash water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied, taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the wash water device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the wash water device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wash water flow in the top panel of the washing machine to which the wash water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not to precise scale and may be exaggerated in thickness of lines or sizes of components for descriptive convenience and clarity only. Furthermore, the terms as used herein are defined by taking functions of the invention into account and can be changed according to the custom or intention of users or operators. Therefore, definition of the terms should be made according to the overall disclosures set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a water supply device installed in a washing machine in accordance with embodiment(s) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating the spray range of wash water supplied by the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a top panel, illustrating the water supply device in a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, a water supply device 30 for a washing machine 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be installed at an end of a water supply line in a top panel 20 of the washing machine 1 to spray wash water toward a washing tub 10.

The water supply line may include a water supply line (hereinafter, referred to as a first water supply line L1) to supply wash water into the washing tub 10 through an opening 21 a of a detergent box 21 or a water supply line (hereinafter, referred to as a second water supply line L2) separate from the first water supply line L1, without passing through the detergent box 21.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the water supply device 30 is installed on the second water supply line L2. When a water supply source such as a faucet is opened, wash water is introduced to the second water supply line L2 through a water supply hose 25, which is connected to the faucet and a water supply valve 26 on the water supply hose 25.

The directional flow of the wash water that passes through the second water supply line L2 is changed to a horizontal direction, while the wash water passes through the water supply device 30 connected to the end of the second water supply line L2. Then, the wash water is sprayed toward the washing tub 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the water supply device 30 for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a panel connection part 40 connected to the second water supply line L2 in the top panel 20 of the washing machine 1 and a horizontal sprayer 50 connected to the bottom to bottom of the panel connection part 40 in the horizontal direction.

When the horizontal sprayer 50 is connected in the horizontal direction, the horizontal spraying unit 50 may have a length extending in the horizontal direction. Thus, a flow of wash water is in the horizontal direction in the wash water flow path in the horizontal sprayer 50.

Hereinafter, the wash water flow path in the panel connection part 40 is referred to as a first wash water flow path N1, and the wash water flow path in the horizontal spraying part 50 is referred to as a second wash water flow path N2, for convenience of description.

The top of the panel connection part 40 is assembled to the end of the second water supply line L2. Since the panel connection part 40 has a hollow pipe shape, the wash water reaching the panel connection part 40 through the second water supply line L2 may flow downward.

The panel connection part 40 has an upper flow path part 41, forming the first wash water flow path N1 having a semi-circular cross-section. The upper flow path part 41 includes a curved surface part 41 a positioned at an opening 52 of the horizontal sprayer 50 and having a curved plate shape and a flat surface part 41 b opposite to of the curved surface part 41 a and having a flat plate shape.

When wash water is uniformly introduced across the entire cross-section of the second wash water flow path N2, the spray range through the opening 52 at the front of the second wash water flow path N2 may be more expansive, and the wash water may be more uniformly supplied.

The horizontal sprayer 50 includes a lower flow path part 51, which forms the second wash water flow path N2 and connected to the bottom of the upper flow path part 41. The lower flow path part 51 has a width that expands toward one side away from the panel connection part 40, and includes the opening 52 at the expanded end that sprays wash water.

As the width of the lower flow path part 51 expands toward the front side (the left side in FIG. 1 and the bottom side in FIG. 6), the spray range may expand as illustrated in FIG. 6, more than when the lower flow path part 51 has a uniform width.

Furthermore, when the lower flow path part 51 has a fan shape, in which a circular arc faces the front side, wash water may be guided a further distance to the front side. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the front spray range may expand more than when the lower flow path part 51 has in a line shape.

Compared to when wash water flows toward the detergent box 21 or when wash water is directed to the front side, it is possible to provides an efficient fan-shaped maximum spraying range with respect to the washing tub 10 having a circular cross-sectional surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the second wash water flow path N2 has a surface sloped downward toward the opening 52, the wash water may be supplied into the washing tub 10 at a downward angle.

This structure may prevent a loss in water pressure, which may be caused by a sharp change in direction of the wash water flow at the connection between the first and second wash water flow path N1 and N2. As a result, the wash water may be sprayed through the opening 52 at higher speeds, and the spray distance of the wash water may increase.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second wash water flow path N2 may be at a right angle with respect to the first wash water flow path N1. The second wash water flow path N2 may be through a lower flow path part 51′ in a horizontal sprayer 50′. The lower flow path part 51′ has an opening 52′ at an end thereof that sprays wash water.

Referring to FIG. 6, both of the first water supply line L1 and the second water supply line L2 may be formed in a region B at a rear side (the right side in FIG. 1 and the top side in FIG. 6). Alternatively, when the first water supply line L1 is in the region B, the second water supply line L2 may be in another region, such as region C or D, instead of the region B.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 are in the same region, and the water supply device 30 for the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an end of the second water supply line L2.

Referring to FIG. 7, the separate second water supply line L2 is behind the first water supply line L1. Specifically, when the water supply device 30 for the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the lower end of the second water supply line L2, wash water may be supplied through the first water supply line L1, the second water supply line L2, and the water supply device 30 within the same region.

The water supply through the first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 is controlled by a controller 60. Thus, the water supply to the washing tub 10 through the first water supply line L1 or the water supply to the washing tub 10 through the second water supply line L2 may be selected by the controller 60. Therefore, the water supply may be performed in various ways depending on the washing conditions.

For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be operated.

Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, the wash water containing the detergent may be supplied from the first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water is sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second water supply line L2 and the water supply device 30 for a washing machine. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water containing the detergent may be realized through the spray pressure of the wash water sprayed from the rear side.

Furthermore, the first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 may be separately installed in the regions B and C, respectively. In this case, the detergent may be independently placed into the washing machine, and the wash water may be independently sprayed in a vertical or horizontal direction, regardless of whether each of the first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 is operated or not.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine to which a water supply device for the washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the washing machine including the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the water supply device for the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of wash water in the top panel of the washing machine to which the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

When the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings, the left side of FIGS. 8 to 13 is defined as the front side, and the right side of FIGS. 8 to 13 is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 12 are defined as the left and right sides, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the water supply device 120 for a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention may be across the rear and bottom sides of a detergent box housing 111 that is in the top panel 110.

The water supply device 120 for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a sidewall part 130 having a length extending vertically and a lower partition wall part 140 having a length extending horizontally.

When the sidewall part 130 has a length extending vertically, it may indicate that a downward flow of wash water is realized through a first wash water flow path N1 formed by the sidewall part 130. Similarly, when the lower partition wall part 140 has a length extending horizontally, it may indicate that a horizontal flow of wash water is realized through a second wash water flow path N2 formed by the lower partition wall part 140.

The sidewall part 130 forms a continuous sidewall along the rear surface of the detergent box housing 111 at the rear side of the detergent box housing 111. Thus, the sidewall part 130 forms the first water wash flow path N1, through which wash water flows downward between the sidewall part 130 and the detergent box housing 111.

The lower partition wall part 140 is connected to the bottom of the sidewall part 130, and forms the second wash water flow path N2 communicating with the first wash water flow path N1. The lower partition wall part 140 extends to the front side along the bottom surface of the detergent box housing 111, and has an opening 142 at a front end thereof that sprays wash water.

In the present embodiment, the wash water flow path between the rear surface of the detergent box housing 111 and the sidewall part 130 is referred to as the first wash water flow path N1, and the wash water flow path between the bottom surface of the detergent box housing 111 and the lower partition wall part 140 is referred to as the second wash water flow path N2, for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 10, the sidewall part 130 includes an upper flow path part 131 forming a hollow first wash water flow path N1 between the rear surface of the detergent box housing 111 and the sidewall part 130. The upper flow path 131 includes a curved surface 131 a disposed toward the opening 142 and having a curved plate shape and a flat surface 131 b opposite to the curved surface 131 a and having a flat plate shape. As such, the upper flow path part 131 has a semi-circular cross-section, and the curved surface 131 a and the flat surface 131 b are connected to each other.

When wash water is uniformly introduced across the entire cross-section of the second wash water flow path N2, a spray range through the opening 142 at the front side of the second wash water flow path N2 may expand more, and the wash water may be more uniformly sprayed.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, a sidewall part 130′ may include an upper flow path part 131′ forming a first wash water flow path N1, and having a rectangular cross-section.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the lower partition wall part 140 includes a lower flow path part 141, having the second water supply flow path N2 between the bottom surface of the detergent box housing 111 and the lower partition wall part 140. The lower flow path part 141 has a width expanding toward the front side, and has a fan-shaped cross-section, in which a middle portion has a curved convex shape towards the front side.

As the lower partition wall part 140 has a width expanding towards the front side, the spray range of the wash water in the horizontal direction may expand more than when the lower partition wall part 140 has a uniform width.

Furthermore, since the lower partition wall part 140 has a fan shape, and the middle portion has a curved convex shape facing towards the front, wash water in the middle portion of the wash water path N2 may be guided a longer distance toward the front side. Thus, the forward spray range of wash water may expand more.

In accordance with the present embodiment, wash water may be supplied across the fan-shaped area on the basis of the shape of the lower partition wall part 140. Thus, compared to when wash water falls from the detergent box 112 or when wash water is narrowly supplied to the front side, it is possible to efficiently provide a fan-shaped maximum spray range (refer to FIG. 6) with respect to the washing tub having a circular cross-section.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, the wash water flow path N2 formed by the lower partition wall part 140 may have an angle that slopes downward toward the opening 142.

Since the connection between the sidewall part 130 and the lower partition wall part 140 has an angle of less than 90 degrees (relative to a straight line), it is possible to prevent a loss in water pressure, which may be caused by a sharp change of direction of the wash water at the connection between the wash water flow path N1 and the wash water flow path N2. Thus, since the wash water may be sprayed at high speeds, the wash water may be sprayed at longer distances.

Referring to FIG. 13, the top panel 110 includes a first water supply line L1 and a second water supply line L2. The first water supply line L1 supplies wash water from an outside source to the washing tub through an opening 113 at the bottom of the detergent box housing 111 via the inside of the detergent box 112, and the second water supply line L2 supplies the wash water through the opening 142 via the sidewall part 130 and the lower partition wall part 140.

Thus, when the controller 150 selectively controls the water supply to the washing tub through the first water supply line L1 or the second water supply line L2, wash water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing conditions.

For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be operated.

Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, the wash water containing detergent may be supplied through the first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water may be sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second water supply line L2. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water containing the detergent may be realized by the spraying pressure of the wash water sprayed from the rear side.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine including a water supply device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the washing machine to which the wash water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is applied, taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the wash water device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the wash water device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 15. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wash water flow in the top panel of the washing machine including the wash water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

When the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings, the left side of FIGS. 14 to 18 is defined as the front side, and the right side of FIGS. 14 to 18 is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17 are defined as the left and right sides, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a wash water supplying device for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a detergent box housing 211 in a top panel 210 and a side partition wall 216 in the detergent box housing 211.

The detergent box housing 211 has an open front side, and a detergent box 212 containing detergent is placed in the detergent box housing 211 through the front of the detergent box housing 211.

The wash water introduced into the detergent box housing 211 arrives at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 through the inside of the detergent box 212. Then, the wash water is discharged through the opening 213 at the front side of the detergent box housing 211 and supplied to a washing tub (not illustrated) (refer to L1 of FIG. 18).

The side partition wall 216 forms a continuous sidewall in the back of the detergent box housing 211 inside the detergent box housing 211. Thus, the side partition wall 216 forms a wash water flow path N that supplies wash water vertically downward between an inner surface of the detergent box housing 211 and the side partition wall 216 in the back of the detergent box 212.

In the present embodiment, the wash water flow path between the side partition wall 216 and the inner rear surface of the detergent box housing 211 is referred to as the wash water flow path N.

The side partition wall 216 includes a wash water flow part 217 forming a hollow wash water flow path N between the side partition wall 216 and the detergent box housing 211.

Referring to FIG. 16, the side partition wall 216 has a convex shape facing toward the front side from the side surface of the detergent box housing 211. The side partition wall 216 includes the hollow wash water flow path part 217 having a cross-section with a semi-circular shape. The wash water flow path part 217 includes a curved surface part 217 a facing toward the detergent box 212 and having a curved plate shape and a flat surface part 217 b on an opposite side of the curved surface part 217 a, and having a flat plate shape.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17, a side partition wall 216′ may have a hollow wash water flow path part 217′ having a rectangular cross-section.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 forms a surface that slopes downward toward the opening 213 at the front side thereof.

Since the rear side of the detergent box housing 211 having the wash water flow path N and the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 are connected at an angle of less than 90 degrees (relative to a straight line), it is possible to prevent a loss in water pressure, which may be caused by a sharp change of direction of the wash water. Thus, since the wash water may be sprayed at high speeds, the wash water may be sprayed a longer distance.

Referring to FIG. 18, the top panel 210 includes a first water supply line L1 and a second water supply line L2. The first water supply line L1 supplies wash water from an outside source through the opening 213 at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211, while changing the flow direction of the wash water a plurality of times inside the detergent box 212. The second water supply line L2 supplies wash water vertically downward to the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 through the wash water flow path N and then supplies the wash water through the opening 213 at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211.

The first water supply line L1 is a water supply flow path through which wash water enters the front side of the detergent box housing 211, passes through the detergent box 212 in the reverse direction, flows downward at the rear side of the detergent box housing 211, and flows to the front side at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211.

The second water supply line L2 is a water supply flow path through which wash water enters the rear side of the detergent box housing 211, flows vertically downward and is then supplied to the washing tub after flowing to the front side at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211.

The first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 partially overlap each other at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 forming the horizontal flow path. However, the first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 are distinguished from each other by the following aspects. The wash water that passes through the first water supply line L1 may contain detergent, depending on whether or not detergent is placed in the detergent box 212, and the pressure of the wash water is reduced as the wash water direction changes a plurality of times. Thus, the wash water is sprayed a short distance. Furthermore, the wash water that passes through the second water supply line L2 has only a small pressure loss. Thus, the wash water is sprayed at a higher speed and at a longer distance.

Thus, when the controller 220 selectively controls the water supply to the washing tub through the first water supply line L1 or the second water supply line L2, the wash water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing conditions.

For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be operated.

Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box, the wash water containing detergent may be supplied through the first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water may be sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second water supply line L2. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water containing detergent may be realized by the spraying pressure of the wash water sprayed from the rear side.

Although some embodiments have been provided to illustrate the invention in conjunction with the drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are given by way of illustration only, and that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be limited only by the accompanying claims. 

1. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a panel connection part connected to a water supply line and having a first wash water flow path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to the panel connection part and having a second wash water flow path therein that communicates with the first wash water flow path, wherein the second wash water flow path has a width that expands towards one side away from the panel connection part, and includes an opening at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays wash water.
 2. The water supply device of claim 1, wherein the second wash water flow path of the horizontal sprayer has a fan shape and a width that expands toward the one side away from the panel connection part.
 3. The water supply device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal sprayer comprises a lower flow path part forming the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path part forms a surface that slopes downward toward the opening.
 4. The water supply device of claim 1, wherein the water supply line comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water from an outside source through an opening at a bottom of the detergent box via an inside of the detergent box; and a second water supply line separate from the first water supply line that transfers wash water from the outside source to the panel connection part.
 5. The water supply device of claim 4, wherein the water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is selected according to a control signal from a controller.
 6. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a sidewall part connected to an outer side surface of a detergent box housing, forming a first wash water flow path through which wash water flows, between the sidewall part and the detergent box housing in a top panel; and a lower partition wall part connected to the sidewall part, extending to one side and separate from a bottom surface of the detergent box housing, forming a second wash water flow path that communicates with the first wash water flow path, having an opening at an end thereof that sprays wash water.
 7. The water supply device of claim 6, wherein the second wash water flow path of the lower partition wall part has a fan shape and a width expanding toward one side.
 8. The water supply device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the lower partition wall part comprises a lower flow path part forming the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path part has a surface that slopes downward toward the opening.
 9. The water supply device of claim 6, wherein the top panel comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water from an outside source through an opening of the detergent box housing via the inside a detergent box; and a second water supply line discharging wash water from the outside source through the opening via the first wash water flow path and the second wash water flow path.
 10. The water supply device of claim 9, wherein the water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is selected according to a control signal from a controller.
 11. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a detergent box housing in a top panel and having a detergent box therein; and a side partition wall connected to an inner side surface of the detergent box housing and forming a wash water flow path, through which wash water flows vertically between the side partition wall and the detergent box housing.
 12. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein the side partition wall extends vertically along the inner side surface of the detergent box housing.
 13. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein a bottom side of the detergent box housing has a surface that slopes downward toward an opening through which wash water is discharged.
 14. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein the top panel comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water supplied from an outside source through the opening of the detergent box housing via the inside of the detergent box; and a second water supply line discharging wash water supplied from the outside through the opening of the detergent box housing via the wash water flow path.
 15. The water supply device of claim 14, wherein the water supply to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is selected according to a control signal from a controller. 